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“As women, we need to give ourselves some time. We need to recoup. We must learn who we are, and traveling solo can help us do that,” says Coleitha Banks, the founder of Sisters Traveling Solo. This purpose-driven woman created a 7,000-member Facebook Group community and turned it into 50,000 members in a year.  Sisters Traveling Solo is a company created to help women of color travel solo.

By offering unique payment plans, travel planning services for your entire trip, and amazing vacations to places like Peru, Bali, Paris, and more, Sisters Traveling Solo is creating a strong support system that allows women to experience the world in a cost-effective way.

Six years ago, Banks needed a break. She yearned for mental clarity and felt that taking her first solo vacation could help provide the peace of mind she wanted. Banks was determined to take her first solo trip to the 2012 Olympics, and she refused to let the lack of money stop her. With this passion in her heart, she developed a financial plan, took her first solo trip, and had a life-changing experience. Now, even with a corporate job, 90% of all of her trips have been solo, and she has traveled to over 21 different countries.

Currently, Sisters Traveling Solo offers nine trips around the world. “We help make women financially prioritize their travel, and we create an entire experience that is life-changing,“ says Banks. Traveling solo can be inexpensive and the Sisters Traveling Solo Facebook Group helps remove that concern. Here are five ways Banks helps her group members find mental peace through travel in the most cost-effective way:

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Sacrifice Going Out.

Sometimes it is tempting to go out and spend money, especially, if it’s available. However, that disposable income can be used for your vacation. Take the money that you would use during happy hour and set it aside for your vacation. Instead of going out three times a week, save the cash you would have spent, and put it toward your next trip. Sacrifice temporarily, to help ensure that you are living the life of your dreams.

Travel on Deals.

There is no need to spend full price on trips when there are websites like The Flight Deal and Secret Flying. On a daily basis, search for their flight deals, and select the destination of your choice.

Make a Down Payment on Your Lodging.  Never Pay the Full Price Upfront.

If money is a concern for you when planning your travel, make sure that you use websites like Booking.com so that you do not have to pay for your hotel in full, up front. Booking.com does not require all the money at once, but instead a deposit. This will allow you more time to save for your vacation, and still have the dates secured.

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Set a Personal Goal, and Make Your Vacation a Priority.

None of this will work if you are not serious. No more complaining. No more getting frustrated. Make a decision and eliminate all other options. Open a separate online savings account with Goldman Sachs, Capital One 360, or Ally Bank, and start setting aside money each month. Stick with it, and make this trip a priority in your life.

Be Flexible.

Be open to departing from other cities outside of your own. By flying from different destinations your flight can be a lot cheaper.

The post This Woman is Helping 50,000 Sisters Travel Solo, Affordably appeared first on Black Enterprise.